2021 Moonracer

This is very expressive with pine needles, pine cones, blackcurrants, forest floor, and ink pot. Full-bodied and chewy with firm and structured tannins. Mineral with an almost chalky character that comes through clearly. Dry tension at the end that keeps your palate refreshed. Drink after 2027. (11/2023)

All Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Moonracer is one of the more structured, firmer wines in the lineup, but I suspect it's going to gain plenty of elegance with 4-6 years of bottle age. Blueberries, black cherries, leather, dried herbs, and lead pencil notes all emerge from this full-bodied, rich, concentrated 2021, which has building tannins and a great finish. (12/2023)

The 2021 Moonracer is a single vineyard wine from Realm’s vineyard in Stags Leap District. “The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon this year because the vineyard is being replanted,” said winemaker Benoit Touquette. “The Merlot and Cabernet Franc were pulled, and the new plantings aren't in production yet. By the time we're done, we will have replanted all this vineyard. Then a true footprint of the place will be in this wine.” Deep garnet-purple colored, gregarious notes of blackberry pie, black cherries, and black currant pastilles prance out of the glass, leading to fragrant wafts of lavender, chocolate mint, and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied, the palate is taut with ripe, crunchy black fruits, supported by a solid frame of grainy tannins and compelling tension, finishing long with loads of mineral and baking spice sparks. 720 cases were made. (09/2023)